Out of the past 12/31/09

25 years ago: Dec. 31, 1984

Cape Girardeau County's population grew by about 1.5 percent from 1980 to 1982, according to the U.S. Census Bureau; the county's population increased from 58,837 to 59,744.

Cape Girardeau property owners committed themselves to building 55 new single-family dwellings during 1984, valued at $3,087,088; 84 apartment units were built during the year; the total building construction in the city during the year was $16,559,988, with $6,033,979 being commercial construction.

50 years ago: Dec. 31, 1959

CAIRO, Ill. -- Sale of the land at Cairo Point, the site of the confluence of the Mississippi and Ohio rivers, for development into a park has been authorized by the board of directors of the New York Central Railroad; a tract of 19.5 acres will be sold to the state of Illinois for $2,000.

New homes were the most expensive -- an average cost of $12,961 each -- and more money was spent in residential construction than at any other time in the city's history during 1959; city building figures show a total of 439 building permits were issued in all categories, amounting to $4,215,300.

75 years ago: Dec. 31, 1934

In an attempt to retain Emmett R. Stuber as head coach at the State Teachers College, despite reports he will be offered a job on the coaching staff of Don Faurot at the University of Missouri, it is reported the college regents will offer Stuber a "more than nominal" increase in salary and hire an assistant football coach.

Showing a substantial increase in its building activity in 1934 over the preceding year, Cape Girardeau built 52 new structures during the year at a cost of $178,327.

100 years ago: Dec. 31, 1909

By good fortune the ferry steamer City of Warsaw, which was torn loose from its moorings at Cape Girardeau several weeks ago and which has been lodged on the rocks and sandbar just north of Commerce, Mo., has withstood the buffeting of the floating ice; Capt. J.M. Craig and Clark James leave by boat in the morning to begin salvage operations.

One of the most beautiful fancy dress dancing parties ever held in Cape Girardeau was given last evening by Capt. and Mrs. George E. Alt in honor of their guest, Dorothy Bell, at their home on Pacific Street.

-- Sharon K. Sanders